March 24th, 2018 marked the 45th annual Crew Classic Regatta hosted every year in the Mission Bay, San Diego. One of the largest regattas in the world, Crew Classic primarily showcases 8-manned rowing boats manned by junior clubs, collegiate teams, and alumni/master crews. Olympic-level athletes will often participate in this renowned regatta as well. Thousands of athletes and spectators alike participate in this weekend-regatta, and multiple vendors sporting rowing-related gear and food trucks take advantage of this crowded sporting event.

The water conditions, when comparing to last year’s conditions, were great to say the least. The difference in finish times from the morning heats versus the afternoon heats are a testament to Mother Nature’s effects on Crew boats; as an example, our Novice 8+ finished nearly 30 seconds slower on the second and later heat. Speaking of, the Men’s Rowing team sent out two boats: the Novice 8+ and the Varsity 8+. The Women’s team only sent out one boat, a mixed line up consisting of mainly Novice, with a few Varsity members sprinkled in. Beach Crew also sent out an Alumni boat, consisting of members from previous years. Our very own Assistant Coach Sean McCrea rowed alongside last year’s Assistant Coach Brent Underwood in the Alumni boat. It was an experience for many members on both Men’s and Women’s teams, some of which having never attended the populated regatta or having been able to race in it.

While our boats did not beat any boats out on the water, I think it’s safe to say that every crew left the regatta with positive feelings. Based on the general energy levels at the tent, no rower left anything out on the water!

Men’s Varsity 8+

Women’s Open 8+

Men’s Novice 8+

Even throughout Spring Break, both the Men’s and Women’s team are training hard for the upcoming regatta, WIRA (Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association), which will be taking place up north in Sacramento on April 28th, 2018.

Here are some pictures showcasing the Men’s Varsity, Novice, and Alumni during this year’s San Diego Crew Classic Regatta:

For most of the rowing community across the US, San Diego Crew Classic marks the start of racing season. Many of the mid west and east coast schools have to deal with frozen lakes and rivers during the winter and early spring. The weather restrictions force them to train for months at a time indoors, using the rowing ergometer. So a Regatta in sunny San Diego is a nice way to welcome the new sprint season for those who have been confined to the inside of their respective boathouse since Thanksgiving. For west coast clubs, we have the luxury of being able to row on the water year round. One could argue that we are spoiled, but that’s another story.

This year at SDCC, LBS rowing sent 5 boats between the men and women. The women sent two 8+’s and a 4+. The men sent two 8+’s. Here are the results in the order that their race took place starting with Saturday morning.

Photo by Dylan Widjaja Men’s V8+

Photo by Dylan Widjaja Women’s Open 8+

Saturday

Men’s Varsity 8+ finished with a 6:59.3 and was 5th of 5 in their heat

Women’s Varsity 8+ finished with an 8:18.9 and got 7th of 7 in their heat

Men’s Novice 8+ finished with a 7:04.3 and got 5th of 5 in their heat

Women’s Open 8+ finished with a 7:18.7 and got 4th of 7

Men’s Varsity 8+ finished with a 6:58.9 and got 6th of 7 in 3rd Finals

Photo from Row2k.com Women’s V4+

Photo by Row2k.comMen’s Novice 8+

Sunday

Women’s Varsity 8+ finished with an 8:28.8 and got 6th of 6 in Petite Finals

Women’s Varsity 4+ finished with a 7:53.8 and got 3rd of 8 in Grand Finals

LBS Rowing now sets it’s sights on WIRA which will be held at Lake Natoma in Sacramento in the end of April.

Join us this weekend as Long Beach State competes with many crews from around the nation at the 43nd Annual San Diego Crew Classic. Racing is up to eight lanes across Mission Bay, with heats beginning on Saturday, and finals on Sunday morning. Beach has entered into the following events:

The Beach Crew Alumni Association will be on Tent Row near the south entrance. Friends and parents are welcome to stop by. Look for the 10-foot black and gold “BEACH Rowing” wind flags.

If you cannot join us in person, Crew Classic offers excellent video coverage of all races, with camera boats following the race as well as aerial shots from a huge tower. Look for it at USRowing’s YouTube account.